1. INT. TARDISThe new Doctor is checking out the new body. Clara, watching. It’s been a few minutes, they’re both still adjusting.

THE DOCTOR: Right then, eyesight. Not bad, bit blue. Ears – not pointy, right way up, more or less level. Face – well I’ve got one. Oh, no -French!CLARA: French.THE DOCTOR: I’ve deleted French! Plus all cookery skills, and the breast stroke. And hopping. Never mind hopping, who needs to hop. Ohh, the kidneys are interesting. Never had that before – interesting kidneys. CLARA: Are you all right?THE DOCTOR: I don’t know, do I look all right? CLARA: I don’t know. THE DOCTOR: How’s the face? Seems all right from the inside. Nice action, responsive. Bit less heft on the chin. How is it? CLARA: It’s… okay. THE DOCTOR: Okay? CLARA: It’s a bit… you know. THE DOCTOR: No I don’t, I haven’t seen it yet. CLARA: Maybe it’s just new. THE DOCTOR: Have you changed height? CLARA: No.

2. INT. SPACE SHIP BRIDGEThe Doctor is facing down the Cyberleader, who stares balefully down from the screen. The bridge around the Doctor is burning, ruined.

THE DOCTOR: Ah, Cyberleader, hello!CYBERLEADER: Do you have a response, Doctor.THE DOCTOR: Yes, I do. Definitely got a response. And here it is. Yes, your ears look big in that! Sorry, did I misunderstand the question?CYBERLEADER: You will return the stolen cargo.THE DOCTOR: Yeah, well, two points. One, I didn’t steal it. No, actually, I did steal it, I was just hoping if I said that I’d think of a really good excuse before the end of the sentence. Didn’t happen, never mind. Point two – well, point one, second attempt – that isn’t cargo. Those are human beings.CYBERLEADER: They are primed for conversion.THE DOCTOR: I’ve unprimed them.CYBERLEADER: You will return the cargo.THE DOCTOR: No, I won’t.CYBERLEADER: Then the cargo will be taken.THE DOCTOR: Not going to happen, and do you know what’s going to stop you?CYBERLEADER: We will not be stopped.

The Doctor raises a finger.

THE DOCTOR: Tell it to the finger. See this finger? See what I’m doing with this finger right now.

The Doctor moves to the screen. Starts drawing a line across.

THE DOCTOR: I’m drawing a line between this ship and you. Between all these people and all your metal men. And this line, it’s a magic lineCYBERLEADER: Magic is not logicalTHE DOCTOR: I know – isn’t it great? Because I’ll tell you what. All these people on this ship are now, officially, under the protection of the magic line. Now, I’ll be honest, these guys in here are a bit annoying. They keep having their own opinions, and sometimes they take turns talking instead of me, which is just boring for everyone. But facts are facts, they’re behind the magic line, and that’s the way it is now. And to be clear, so we all understand the deal here, if any of your handle-heads happens to cross the magic line, even by accident, do you know what will happen to you then?CYBERLEADER: What will happen?THE DOCTOR: Me

3. The Doctor and a little boy. They’re sitting in the little boy’s bedroom.

THE DOCTOR:Does everyone tell you it’s going to be all right? LITTLE BOY: Yes. THE DOCTOR: Do you believe them? LITTLE BOY: NoTHE DOCTOR: Good man. Tell me what happens when the lights go out. LITTLE BOY: No.THE DOCTOR: Because you’re scared? (Silence) Because you think I won’t believe you. Because you think I’ll tell you everything’s fine, when you know it isn’t, and leave you alone like all the other grown-ups?LITTLE BOY:… yes.THE DOCTOR: Look at me. Am I grown up? LITTLE BOY: Yes.THE DOCTOR: Good! You’re the very first person I’ve fooled. Look, what if I promise I won’t tell you it’s okay. What if I just listen, and then try my best to help, and never tell you that I know better. How about that?LITTLE BOY: …okay.THE DOCTOR: Okay. So. You turn the lights out -then what?LITTLE BOY: The room… changes. In the dark. THE DOCTOR: You mean the room is different when you can’t see it. LITTLE BOY: Yes. THE DOCTOR: Every time? LITTLE BOY: Yes. THE DOCTOR: Different how? LITTLE BOY: It’s wet. When 1 touch the walls, they’re all wet.THE DOCTOR: Like damp. Like water runningdown them? LITTLE BOY: No. Wet like a mouth.

The wait is almost over for Doctor Who fans, as the identity of the next actor to play the Doctor is to be revealed in a special one-off Doctor Who Live broadcast on BBC One this Sunday August 4 at 7pm.

In front of a live studio audience, host Zoe Ball will unveil and interview the 12th person to play the Time Lord, one of the most coveted roles in British television.

The half hour programme will feature Doctors old and new, companions, special guests and celebrity fans, all taking place against the backdrop of a swirling vortex with Daleks and the TARDIS stationed in the studio.

Earlier in the week the BBC disguised the show in the TV listings, scheduling a fake ‘Celebrity Mastermind’ in the 7.30pm-8pm slot.

Doctor Who Live: The Next Doctor will end months of speculation over who will be taking over from Matt Smith, with Peter Capaldi, Ben Daniels, Ben Whishaw and David Harewood having all been linked with the role, though an unknown actor is perhaps far more likely.

Executive producer Steven Moffat said : ‘The decision is made and the time has come to reveal who’s taking over the TARDIS. For the last of the Time Lords, the clock is striking twelve.’

Moffat and Smith will both give interviews during the show, commenting on the role and what they believe it takes to play the Doctor.

Fans in America will be able to watch the unveiling live via simulcast on BBC America.

Charlotte Moore, Controller BBC One said : ‘BBC One is the home of big live events and this special live show is the perfect way to reveal the identity of the next Doctor and share it with the nation. The Doctor is a truly iconic role and I’m more than excited about the booking.’

Ben Stephenson, Controller of BBC Drama Commissioning meanwhile, revealed how they have been using the codename Houdini for the actor.

He said: ‘We can’t wait to unveil the next Doctor with everyone live on BBC1 on Sunday night. Amongst all the speculation and betting, there has been lots of fun and intrigue at work as we’ve been using the codename Houdini as a decoy! It’s the biggest secret in showbiz, even those working with the new Doctor on other projects at the moment have no idea they are in the presence of the 12th incarnation.’

Rory Kinnear had also been tipped as a possible Doctor, but after insisting that he won’t be joining the show his denial was compounded by his signing up to ITV drama Lucan, which films at the same time.